A laboratory study conducted at the University of Colorado in the US found that erythritol can damage the cells in the walls of blood vessels in the brain, or endothelial cells. They form the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances and pathogens.

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, offers a possible explanation for why high erythritol levels have been found to be associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart attack in previous population studies.

In laboratory experiments, researchers found that erythritol caused several harmful changes in cell cultures. It reduced the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, and increased the amount of endothelin-1, which constricts blood vessels.

At the same time, the cells' ability to secrete the blood clot-busting compound t-PA weakened, and the amount of free radicals that damage tissues increased.

According to the researchers, the changes form a worrying combination. When blood vessels narrow and the body's own ability to break down blood clots weakens, the risk of stroke can increase.

The researchers urge moderation and caution when using artificial sweeteners, but there are a few important things to note about the results. This was a laboratory experiment and not a human experiment, so the results cannot be directly applied to the human body.

It should also be noted that the human body also produces erythritol naturally, and high levels in the blood can be a sign of some other disorder.

Some previous studies have suggested that erythritol may also have properties that support vascular health.

However, the researchers say the finding adds to the evidence that the long-term health effects of sweeteners need to be studied more closely.

Source: ScienceAlert